The Role of Emotion Dysregulation and Pain-endurance in Non-suicidal Self-injury and Disordered Eating Behaviors

Although literature supports the role of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance as independent predictors of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and disordered eating behaviors, there remains little investigation of the interaction of these variables. The aim of this project was to examine the main and interactive role of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance in predicting NSSI and disordered eating. We hypothesized that high levels of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance would predict NSSI and disordered eating behaviors such as purging and excessive exercising, whereas high levels of emotion dysregulation and low distress tolerance would predict less painful behaviors such as binge eating. Participants reported their levels of emotion dysregulation, engagement in disordered eating and NSSI on questionnaires. Pain tolerance was assessed through a standardized pressure task. We ran linear regressions to examine the main and interactive roles of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance on NSSI and disordered eating. The analyses yielded significant results supporting our hypothesis, as well as results indicating the relationship between specific facets of emotion dysregulation, and the propensity for one to engage in NSSI and/or disordered eating behavior. Learning more about how to predict which individuals are more likely to engage in these behaviors can help mental health professionals develop targeted interventions to most efficiently help those at risk. Future studies may use a larger, more diverse sample, or a sample meeting diagnostic criteria for eating disorders.